SINGING SOULS

By -
I sat in the last row at morning mass...
not feeling too well...But then -watching in silent wonder as the singing souls stood in unison...collectively rising to the occasion...praising and worshiping a God they could not see...but whom they deeply believed in.

If you think about it--and really see-through the eyes of faith...watching the faithful in church is an amazing spiritual exercise...It is the essence of everything we are lead to believe about community and equality and unity. It is the one place that people put down their humanity and pick up their divinity--without all the baggage and worry of judgement or jaundiced attitudes. It is the one place where the soul within, the driving spiritual force that finds it's way into-even a fools physical fortress--the one place- where we get an authentic glimpse of our spiritual brothers and sisters.

Standing side by side, singing songs of soulful Love-or being silent and still and slowing down just long enough to catch up with the one who has been calling and caressing and cultivating them-They gave witness to the purity and innocence and tranquility of our timeless traditions...and they emphatically embraced the energy of a pulsating power that inspires and renews, uplifts and rewards.

As my eyes wandered from person to person...I saw the physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit in action...and I felt embraced by the peaceful aura of those who came together---to become one with their maker. I felt privileged to be among them...those individuals who believe in visiting with God on a Monday morning at 8a.m....who believe enough in their God to show up-and show how much they care...I felt blessed to be among them...to sit with them and to see them...on bended knee, bowing their heads, seeking a blessing and receiving their Savior...

It touched me-seeing the simplicity of their faith..and the power of their personal witness..It is a vision I have seen countless times over the years--but somehow -today I saw things differently...clearly...consciously--and the vision left a beautiful imprint on my memory...and a feeling of gratitude deeply embedded in my heart.

I will be there tomorrow-God willing-watching and waiting for the inspiration that comes when one or more are gathered in his name...and like today, I will leave, lifted and Loved and lead by the spirit and the grace of God's anointing will. Because when we take the time -to spend some time- together in prayer--the budding blessings of companionship and friendship-follow us outside...into the hustle and bustle of our lives-- breaking down the barriers, while building beautiful bridges of peace and understanding--hope and glorious goodwill!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Singing to God is, to me, the best form of worship. When done together, as in a choir, it surely spreads the joy to everyone. It touched your soul, and I am sure that of others, to help you through the day to day living. That is one of the reasons it is so important to go to church and worship together. In doing so we are not only worshiping but helping others to face life. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
December 17, 2008
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SUBLIME AUDACITY!

By -
Image
I have all the signs and symptoms of something I just learned about today...Sublime Audacity. That's right...I have the audacity to believe-that anything is possible-anything at all-with God. In fact, I believe that there is one cure for all the world's ills...and that cure rests with -and in God. In a world of material wealth, individual desires and carefully orchestrated managed care...When people search the world over for the answers that never come, the healings that rarely happen and the hope that always gets dashed by the next person...I believe that there is only one steady stream of consciousness that always gets it right...and that is God. I've personally experienced it time and again and every time I look elsewhere or seek some other solution, I always come crawling back to the staying power of my higher power...Because let's face it...Once we have the audacity to tell anyone-anyone at all that God is responsible for all the good in our lives or the Love that ...
Read more

OUR LADY OF JOY, HANCEVILLE ALABAMA

By -
Image
High atop a hill in Hanceville Alabama, broken hearts are being healed and hope is being restored. Our Lady of Joyful Hope is a community of young men who are finding new freedom through a life of authentic truth. Once lost in the darkness of addiction they are now living in the light of Christ who is transforming them from the inside out...And their families, if they are open and willing, are being transformed right alongside them. Recently, I spent three days with this community, listening to the young men, their parents and to the foundress, Mother Elvira, who flew in from Italy for the anointing of the new community house and the celebration that followed. Mother Elvira's life story is on par with Mother Teresa. She is an Italian nun who heard the call from God to snatch souls from Satan by delivering young men and women from the demonic grip of addiction. She gave up everything familiar, walked straight into the wilderness and wound up becoming a living legacy for desperate fa...
Read more

CONFESSIONS OF FATHER JOE BENSON

By -
As we sat in silence, meditating...I nudged my friend Terri, "What do we have to complain about?!" I whispered. There he hung, pain stricken, vulnerable in his nakedness, sharp thorns cutting into his head, pleading eyes fixed on the heavens. What I thought, on God's green earth, do I have to complain about?! That's probably why they do it...place the life like crucifix dead center-above the altar, just above the Blessed Sacrament, right where you can't miss it...just to remind us-things could be worse, but they're destined to get better-if we keep our eyes focused-on the solution. Another friend-likes to remind me-he's not on the cross anymore...So why do we keep him there? Every one's got an opinion, but to tell you the truth, I need to be reminded of the sacrifice...and every painful moment in between. Puts my problems in perspective...helps me see clearly...gives me strength to proceed. We went to first Friday adoration in the upper ninth ward.....
Read more